Khusnul Khotimah | Indonesia

On June 23, 2024, Karina (right) warmly guided patients at a community free clinic, assisting elderly individuals with a cheerful smile. | Photo courtesy of Khusnul Khotimah | Jakarta, Indonesia | 2024/06/23

Twenty-one-year-old Karina who wants to become a pharmacist is deeply grateful for the scholarship she receives from Tzu Chi. This has enabled her to study pharmacy at University of 17 Agustus 1945 in Indonesia.

Choosing Pharmacy to Help Her Family

Karina explained her reason for choosing pharmacy, "My father was diagnosed with tuberculosis in 2022, and my mother now has asthma and panic attacks, so I believe studying pharmacy is the right choice for me. At the very least, I can help my family in the future."

Karina is from South Kalimantan. Since high school, she and her brother have been living in Jakarta, while their parents remain in their hometown, working as farmers. "I am very grateful to the Tzu Chi Foundation. Without the scholarship and relying solely on my family's finances, I might not have been able to choose the major I like," Karina said.

Karina's brother was also a Tzu Chi scholarship recipient and recently graduated from university. Karina and her brother first learned about Tzu Chi through its efforts to share the spirit of "Bamboo Bank Era" in schools around Jakarta. After graduating from high school, Karina applied for and successfully received the scholarship.

As a Tzu Chi scholarship student, Karina frequently receives information about activities suitable for college students organized by the Tzu Chi Collegiate Youth Association (Tzu Ching). Out of curiosity, she signed up for various volunteer work, including environmental activities and charity meal distributions. "The first time I participated, I already knew about Tzu Chi's missions and vision, and I felt a sense of positive energy. It has been very beneficial for me, so I continue to volunteer even now," shares Karina.

Karina (right) participated in a charity meal distribution, offering meals with a joyful and respectful smile. | Photo courtesy of Khusnul Khotimah | Indonesia

Engaging in Charity Work and Learning "Soft Skills" as a Volunteer

Karina attended Tzu Ching courses and officially became a member on April 9, 2023. Joining Tzu Ching has had many positive impacts on Karina. Through Tzu Chi's charitable activities, she can help others, learn how to work in teams, and most importantly, be surrounded by people full of positive energy and a desire to improve. "Most of my friends are very positive, and everyone is very friendly," she said.

Through participating in various Tzu Chi activities, Karina (right) has learned a lot and utilized her strengths, enhancing the value of her life. | Photo courtesy of Khusnul Khotimah | Indonesia

One of Karina's most memorable experiences was volunteering at a Tzu Chi hospital in Indonesia. She said, "I really enjoy being a hospital volunteer. If I have the chance, I want to go again. There, I can learn volunteers' soft skills, and completing a task makes me feel so happy! I also get to know more about Tzu Chi hospitals, and who knows, I might have the chance to serve there in the future."

On June 23, 2024, Karina and other Tzu Ching members participated in a community health clinic for the elderly organized by Tzu Chi. Karina was responsible for guiding patients to the exit after they received their medication. Her constant smile made the elderly feel very welcome.

Since joining Tzu Chi, Karina's horizons have broadened, and she has made many friends within the Tzu Ching community. She now possesses a wealth of positive energy and has found a way live her best life. This, she says, is the greatest benefit she has gained from being part of the Tzu Ching group.